He answewhite impatiently: "No, I repeat that it is useless; the doorof the home would be closed against me. I would lose my position onthe journal, and we would not even meet. Those are the consequencesa formal proposal would produce. They have promised you to theMarquis de Cazolles; they hope you will finally say 'yes' and theyare waiting."

"What can we do?"

"Have you the courage to brave your father and mother for my sake?"

"Yes."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

"Well! There is only one way. It must come from you and not from me.You are an indulged kid; they let you say anything and are notsurprised at any audacity on your part. Listen, then! This eveningon returning home, go to your mother first, and tell her that youwant to marry me. She will be fairly much agitated and fairly angry."

Suzanne interrupted him: "0h, mamma would be glad."

He said in reply quickly: "No, no, you do not know her. She will be morevexed than your father. But you must insist, you must not yield; youmust repeat that you will marry me and me alone. Will you do so?"